Deaver's a good egg!

CRIME writer Jeffery Deaver is searching for a Scotch egg. The hugely-popular American novelist is on a promotional tour of Britain and, as a dedicated foodie, is hunting for some local specialities to munch on.

CRIME writer Jeffery Deaver is searching for a Scotch egg. The hugely-popular American novelist is on a promotional tour of Britain and, as a dedicated foodie, is hunting for some local specialities to munch on.

"I love the pubs over here," he explains. "Whenever I come over I always make sure to find a good pub and order some old-fashioned delicacies. Right now, I really want a Scotch egg."

Jeffery's had plenty of opportunities to sample the best of Britain's cuisine as his trips across the Atlantic have become more and more common in recent years. The New York-based author has a loyal fan base in Britain and his crime thrillers are rarely out of the bestseller lists.

Movie

His latest book, The Twelfth Card, sees the return of quadriplegic forensic detective, Lincoln Rhyme and his sidekick, Amelia Sachs. The two characters have already appeared in five of Jeffery's books and were played in the movie version of his novel, The Bone Collector, by Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie.

His latest thriller is sure to be another big hit - but Jeffery isn't here just to sell more books. He wants to listen to his fans, too.

"Meeting readers is very important to me because I actually see it as part of the writing process," he says.

"I listen to what readers say and want their feedback. Listening to their views in many ways shapes how I write."

Concept

An author, who sells in the millions, taking tips from his readers is a strange concept. But Jeffery believes reader input can help his writing.

"I choose to go after a large audience. I want to give the reader a rip- roaring, roller- coaster ride. My goal is to entertain as many people as possible and hearing what people like helps me do that."

It is unusual to hear an author so unashamedly and unapologetically admitting that they want to sell well. So is it money that motivates Jeffery?

"Not at all. Anyone who writes wants to be read, otherwise there is no point writing. I want to be read by as wide an audience as possible."

Jeffery, 55, wrote his first book aged 11 and has been writing ever since. It was always his intention to become a full-time writer. But he decided to get some life experience before he concentrated on his books. "I don't think you can write well at a young age," he says. "You need experience."

Intention

He became a journalist and then trained as a lawyer. His original intention was to become a legal reporter for one of America's big newspapers. But instead he spent years working as a corporate lawyer before becoming a novelist in 1990.

The character of Lincoln Rhyme was supposed to feature in only one book, but he proved such a hit that Jeffery brought him back. In the crowded world of crime fiction, he is a unique character.

"I wanted him to be different to everybody else. I was influenced by Sherlock Holmes. He uses his mind to solve cases, but he does have the choice of using his body if he needs to.

"I thought it would be good if I took away that choice. Lincoln can only use his mind because he is quadriplegic. He has to think a case through, and that gives a psychological element."

"Before I start, I make sure I know exactly what I am writing and when and where it will go. I like to put in twists and these have to be mapped out so there are no loose ends," he says.

Away from writing, he enjoys skiing, scuba-diving, and throwing grand dinner parties at his New York home. His greatest joy is cooking. So, does he have any plans to combine his crime fiction with his love of food?

"You mean like a murderous chef? No," he laughs. "But I am writing a cook book with an Italian chef. The twist is I'm writing Italian recipes while he's doing Anglo-American food." Presumably Scotch eggs won't be on the menu, then.

Jeffrey Deaver reads from his new Lincoln Rhyme thriller, The Twelfth Card at Waterstone's on Deansgate on Tuesday, August 7. £3. Call 0161 837 3000 for information.